Boston North End Tour: Historic Sites and Local Eats

Experience the best of North End Boston with a food tasting and historical tour. Explore the neighborhood, taste delicious local treats, and learn about the city’s rich history.

Duration: 5 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Greenway Carousel - Your North End to the Freedom Trail combines our North End Food Tour and our History and Highlights Tour to make up a brilliant half day tour that will give you a comprehensive introduction to our fair city.
    Your experience begins at the lifeblood of Boston, the Boston Harbor. Walk through a scenic waterfront park, with views of the harbor, East Boston and the historic wharfs lining Atlantic Ave. We’ll make our way to the heart of the North End, with views of some of the most historic sites and properties in the neighborhood, some dating back to the late 1600s and early 1700s.

  • Faneuil Hall Marketplace - Here, you’ll hear about the notable revolutionaries who were the first to advocate for independence from Great Britain.

  • Rose Kennedy Greenway - We will pass by the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, a linear park located in several Downtown Boston neighborhoods. It consists of landscaped gardens, promenades, plazas, fountains, art, and specialty lighting systems.

  • North End - We’ll make our way to the heart of the North End, with views of some of the most historic sites. Tasty food is never far away in the North End. Your guide will introduce you to a small, hidden Italian bakery serving up fresh bread daily. A proper Italian salumeria is next, where you’ll have a chance to enjoy some Italian meats and cheeses. Next up, we’ll take in the energy of the North End’s busiest corridor, Hanover Street, where it’s time for a mid-tour break with your guide at a traditional Italian café.

  • Old North Church & Historic Site - You’ll hear stories about some of the most influential events that happened in Boston, including Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride. We will make our way to the Old North Church and step inside the hallowed walls.
    The Old North Church is closed until the beginning of April. During this time, we will not be able to visit inside the church, but we will stop outside of it.

  • Downtown Crossing - A short trek through Downtown Crossing

  • Custom House Tower by Marriott Vacation Club - From Faneuil Hall, you’ll be able to see Custom House Tower, the first skyscraper built in the city of Boston and originally the location where incoming goods were stored upon arrival to Boston.

  • Old State House - Moving into the heart of Downtown Boston, we stop in front of the Old State House. This is where the Declaration of Independence was announced to elated crowds in July 1776 - your guide will paint quite the picture for you of that exciting time in Boston. On the flip side, you’ll also hear about the tragic Boston Massacre that occurred here and what led up to that fateful day.

  • Old South Meeting House - You can’t come to Boston and not mention the Boston Tea Party. While at this stop, which was originally a church, your guide will fill you in on all that led up to the infamous event. Learn who said “No taxation without representation!” and how Bostonians planned their act of rebellion in 1773.

  • Old Corner Bookstore - Next we’ll pass by the site of the first bookstore in Boston, which has housed the publishers of Thoreau’s Walden, Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, and Longfellow - you may have heard of his famous tale: Midnight Ride of Paul Revere.

  • Old City Hall - This hall was home to the city council in the 19th and 20th century, as well as the site of the first public school in America. You’ll also marvel at its breathtaking French architecture and be able to snap a photo with the famed Bronze Donkey.

  • King’s Chapel - A short trek through Downtown Crossing and past the Old City Hall takes you to one of the most historic places in the country – King’s Chapel, the first Anglican church in New England. Your guide will teach you about its history and its progression through the centuries. If we’re lucky, we could hear the organist practicing on the oldest church organ in the US.

  • Granary Burying Ground - Originally part of Boston Common, this cemetery dates back to 1660. Along the way, you’ll pass by the final resting spot of famous Revolutionary heroes like John Hancock, Paul Revere, and Sam Adams.

  • Boston Common - The oldest city park in the United States, Boston Common (not Commons) is a favorite with locals and visitors alike. Walking through the park, you’ll see various memorials, fountains, and recreation areas - which have been enjoyed daily since 1634.

  • Beacon Hill - One of the most popular and well-known neighborhoods in all of Boston, this area wasn’t always as attractive as it is today. You’ll peek down the cobbled streets as your guide shares the fascinating history of this area - how sailors and British soldiers in the 17th and 18th centuries actually decreased its favor for local residents and how it became the iconic and aspirational neighborhood it is today.

  • Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Regiment Memorial - A lesser-known memorial, but one of great interest and significance. This memorial commemorates one of the first African American regiments in the Civil War and their colonel Robert Gould Shaw.

  • Massachusetts State House - You’ll love seeing the glittering dome of the inspiring, historic, and beautiful Massachusetts State House. You may have heard of the original landowner for this site, John Hancock, and the man who presided over the cornerstone ceremony for the building in 1795, Paul Revere. Your guide will be sure to fill you in on how this building has lasted over the years and continues to be an integral part of the state’s government.

  • Boston Public Garden - This garden is full of life with residents of modern Boston enjoying it for walks, exercise, fun, or just a peaceful moment. But as you walk through this picturesque park (the first public park in America), you’ll really be able to get a sense of how the land was used by Bostonians (and even British soldiers) throughout the revolution-era and since then as well. Your tour will end here - in the perfect central location for you to continue your day in Boston.

What's Included
  • Surprise local treat
  • Historic Old North Church - Entrance fee included
  • Tips on what else to see, do, and eat
  • Friendly local English-speaking guide
  • 3 food stops with samples (bread, pizza, meats, cheese)
  • Hot Italian beverage and pastry
  • Stunning views from Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market
  • Learn about the Sons of Liberty and Boston Tea Party
What's Not Included
  • Tips/gratuities for your guide
  • Additional food and drink
Additional Information

Explore the authentic side of Boston’s well-known district, the North End. Take a tour of Boston’s most celebrated church and enjoy a gastronomic experience in the neighborhood, featuring meats, cheeses, freshly baked bread, sweet pastries, pizza and a cup of cappuccino. Extend your journey along the Freedom Trail and beyond, and witness the progression of Boston through its remarkable history. From the landmark Boston Harbor to the scenic heart of Beacon Hill, join your local guide on a journey that links you to both the past and present of Boston.

  • This is a child-friendly tour. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge.
  • This tour can accommodate vegetarian, vegans, and gluten free options. Please notify us in advance at least 24 h before the tour start time if you have any dietary requests.
  • This tour is environmentally friendly because unlike many of the tour companies in Boston, you walk as opposed to using buses or other vehicles.
  • In the morning when you are in the famous North End, all of the food stops are 100% owned and run by locals, ensuring that local people benefit from tourism to their city. So any inclusions on the tour and additional purchases you make will directly benefit the local community.
  • You also stop at one of the world-famous churches which is as much a part of Boston’s (and America’s) history as you can get. The Old North Church is a non-profit organization that works hard to educate school children and adults on American history and colonial life. By paying an entrance fee, you are helping to maintain the church and their work.
  • We reserve the right to change both the route and places visited within the tour. Food inclusions are subject to change, dependent on availability on the day.
  • Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, but please note that this tour covers 8 km (5 miles) of walking.
Location
The Greenway Carousel
Atlantic Avenue
The Greenway Carousel (Outside - Next to the Carousel entrance) 191 Atlantic Ave., Boston, MA 02111
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(1445 Ratings)
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1 star
Elizabeth_v
Sep 29, 2024
Our tour guide Lexie was... - Our tour guide Lexie was great! I retracted and got to know all of our names. Very knowledgeable and engaged with us
Review provided by Viator
Amyho6740vq
Sep 27, 2024
Great tour! We loved the history lessons too! - Allison did a great job showing us all the sites listed and gave great history lessons too. I highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Scout1960
Sep 26, 2024
Great Tour for First Time Visitors - This was an excellent way to become acquainted with Boston. As first time visitors with only a few days, we found this to be a fun and comprehensive look at some of the places and stories that make Boston such a special and important city. Larry, our tour guide, was fantastic. He offered great commentary and insights only a local could provide. With a small group of 9, we were able to travel efficiently and get into smaller shops and restaurants. Overall, one of the best tours we’ve taken anywhere.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trip624004
Sep 23, 2024
Fabulous Boston tour - Fabulous our of the city by Tyler D'Ambrosio. Very informative and he certainly knew his history. Had Boston Cream Pie in the Omni hotel, which was invented there. Would not have known this if not been on he tour. Always worth doing local walking tours, so much information. Taffy
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nicole_b
Sep 21, 2024
The best way to see and sample the best of Boston - I celebrated my 40th birthday in Boston and wouldn't have picked any other way to see the city. Bob was our guide for the food and history tour. He was a pleasure to spend the 5 hours walking around Boston with.
Review provided by Viator
Angela_f
Sep 21, 2024
The food and the history... - The food and the history of Larry explained all through Boston, so informative! Truly enjoyed this tour and would recommend it to anybody!! Thank you Thank you, we have our Thank
Review provided by Viator
Aweditycreativem
Sep 16, 2024
Lexie is the best - Lexie was absolutely amazing!! Highly recommend!! She’s full of fascinating info and diverse History details. Her pace was great for anyone
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dessa
Sep 16, 2024
Cannoli, pizza, history lesson and Bovas - We were with Alexander for this food tour and history tour of the Freedom Trail. Alexander lives in the North End and was very knowledgeable about the best places to eat and visit. We had wonderful cannoli, with a story about the cannoli “wars” of Boston, we had a wonderful deli sandwich, fabulous pizza, and lovely pastries from Bovas. Bovas appeared in The Instigators and I had just watched the movie on the plane to Boston, so this was an extra treat for me. Alexander was a delight, very obviously loves history, and especially knows his Boston history, and I highly recommend him as a tour guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Peter_g
Sep 24, 2024
Bad experience - We had to cancel due to it was raining,windy and cold. We are seniors and not going to tour for 5 hours in that weather! Was not able to get a refund or credit from viator
Review provided by Viator
Rea_h
Sep 21, 2024
Not notified of your cancellation - Appparently, our tour was cancelled the night before but no one from Viator notified us of this. We kept getting texts up until the start time to meet at the specified place - where we waited….and waited. After no one else arrived, I contacted Viator and was told about the cancellation. Poor customer service in this instance!!
Review provided by Viator
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